Apparatus for guiding a tool along a curved path

Abstract

An apparatus for guiding a tool on a curved path which includes an elongated guide member elastically deformed in the shape of a spline curve and a means responsive to said elastically deformed curved guide member for directing or limiting the movement of the tool to a path responsive to the curved shape of the elastically deformed curved guide member.

We claim: 
     
       1. An apparatus for guiding a tool along a predetermined curved path in relation to a work piece, including: (a) A spline member elastically deformed in the shape of a curve to provide a curved guide member;   (b) A first means for holding said spline member in the shape of a curve, and   (c) A second means responsive to said curved guide member for directing the movement of said tool in a predetermined curved path in relation to said work piece.   
     
     
       2. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said spline member is an elongated strip member. 
     
     
       3. An apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said elongated strip member includes a longitudinal track. 
     
     
       4. An apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein said longitudinal track includes at least one longitudinal groove formed in an outer surface of said elongated strip. 
     
     
       5. An apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein said second means includes a carriage having wheels in communication with said longitudinal track, and wherein said tool is mounted on said carriage. 
     
     
       6. An apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein said first means includes a base having a curved groove, and wherein said elongated strip is embedded in said curved groove. 
     
     
       7. An apparatus for guiding a tool along a predetermined curved path in relation to a work piece, including: (a) An elongated strip capable of being elastically deformed in the shape of a curve and having a longitudinal track including a longitudinal groove in at least one surface of said elongated strip,   (b) A base having a planar surface and including a curved groove in the planar surface of the said base, which curved groove restrainingly carries said elongated strip; and   (c) A carriage carrying said tool and having at least one wheel in communication with said longitudinal track.   
     
     
       8. A method of manufacturing an apparatus for guiding a tool along a predetermined curved path in relation to a work piece, said apparatus including an elongated strip member elastically deformed in the shape of a curve to provide a curved guide member, and a means for securing said elongated strip in the shape of a curve, which method includes the following steps: (a) Elastically deforming said elongated strip member into the shape of a curve to provide a curved guide member;   (b) Securing said elongated strip member in the shape of a curve; and   (c) Providing a means responsive to said elongated strip member for guiding a tool in a predetermined path relative to said work piece.   
     
     
       9. A method of manufacturing an apparatus for guiding a tool along a predetermined curve path in relation to a work piece, including an elongated strip member elastically deformed in the shape of a curve to provide a curved guide member, a securing means for securing said guide member in the shape of a curve, which securing means includes a base for carrying said tool having a curved groove in planar surface of said base, which method includes the following steps: (a) Elastically deforming said elongated strip member into the shape of a curve to provide a curved guide member;   (b) Securing said elongated strip member in the shape of a curve by fitting said elongated strip member into said curved groove in said base; and   (c) Providing a means responsive to said elongated strip member for guiding said tool in a predetermined path relative to said work piece.   
     
     
       10. A process as set forth in claim 9, wherein said step of securing said elongated strip member in the shape of a curve includes embedding said elongated strip member into said groove by applying an epoxy material in said groove about said elongated strip member and permitting said epoxy material to harden about said elongated strip member. 
     
     
       11. An apparatus for guiding a tool along a curved path in relation to the work piece, said apparatus including an elongated strip member, elastically deformed in the shape of a curve to provide a curved guide member and a means for securing said guide member in the shape of a curve, which apparatus is manufactured according to the following method: (a) Elastically deforming said elongated strip member into the shape of a curve to provide a curved guide member;   (b) Securing said elongated strip member in said shape of a curve; and   (c) Providing a means responsive to said elongated strip member for guiding said tool in a predetermined path relative to said work piece.   
     
     
       12. An apparatus for guiding a tool along a predetermined curved path in relation to work piece, including an elongated strip member elastically deformed in the shape of a curve to provide a curved guide member, a securing means for securing said guide member in the shape of a spline curve which securing means includes a base upon which said tool is carried having a curved groove in a planar surface of said base, which apparatus is manufactured according to the following method: (a) Elastically deforming said elongated strip member into the shape of a curve to provide a curved guide member;   (b) Securing a flexible elongated strip member into the shape of a curve by fitting said elongated strip member into said curved groove in said base; and   (c) Providing a means responsive to said elongated strip member of guiding said tool in a predetermined path relative to said work piece.   
     
     
       13. An apparatus as set forth in claim 12 wherein said step of securing said elongated strip member includes embedding said elongated strip member in said curved groove by applying an epoxy material in said curved groove about said elongated strip member and permitting said epoxy material to harden.